A Word About the Usefulness of Books

The postings you find here usually point to online resources, classes, or programs held at the library. Let us not forget another very important source of information — books. Whether you are flipping through pages looking for a more effective resume format or are reading closely to learn how to do something that is complicated or unfamiliar, there is nothing quite like a book to help you with your job search. If you take a look at this blog, you will see several tabbed subjects at the top, between the blog title and the latest posting. “Books” is one of these tabs. Click on it and take a look.

I have just finished [20 January 2011] revamping this list, attempting to set in up in the order of a job hunt. Starting with broader topics, like overall guides and reference books, I then list books that help you find job information on the Internet, including broad topics like search strategies down to specifics like job banks. Towards the beginning a job search, a person will begin composing a basic resume, then cover letter . These are the next two categories. When a person finds a job listing, the process of refining a resume and cover letter begins. This hopefully leads to an interview, the next category of books. At some point in this process, people start seeing references to the potential of social networking, especially LinkedIn, the next set of books. Looking for work in government offers a whole different set of demands and challenges. You will find books on that topic. Questions or problems with career skills? There are books that help here as well. The last section is on staying safe online. Though not specifically related to your job hunt, you need to keep yourself out of the clutches of identity thieves. And believe me, they prey on vulnerable people, and people looking for work are vulnerable. Think about it. How often have you been tempted to take chances that you might not do otherwise while you are hunting for a job. A tip or chapter from one of these books might help keep you out of trouble.

An additional software format that is relatively new to the library is called LibGuides. Clicking lists of useful books will bring you directly to the Jobs’ LibGuide tab that includes books. Updates to the various job booklists will now appear here first. [20 September 2011]

Take a look and give me some feedback if you have the chance. Feel free to offer suggestions if a book has helped you that you don’t see on my list. Also books that you used but did not find especially useful. Your comments are deeply appreciated.